Renault outlines its formulae

Formula Renault V6 and the Dallara Nissan World Series will effectively merge their operations next year to create a single clear stepping-stone between Formula 3 and the Renault-backed GP2 series. The deal has long been on the cards because Renault owns Nissan.

The new 420bhp championship will be called World Series by Renault and will be promoted by the Barcelona-based RPM organisation, which currently runs Dallara Nissan. The technical regulations will run on a three-year cycle similar to that in Formula 3.

The chassis will be based on the Dallara currently used in Dallara Nissan, but should be heavily revised. The engine details have not yet been fully finalised. It is expected that there will be nine races, with no more than one race in each country.

"Renault has given us the opportunity to do something much bigger than has ever been possible in the past," said RPM boss Jaime Alguersuari. "It's fantastic, and all the teams and fans will be very happy with this."

Beneath the World Series by Renault, the 196bhp Formula Renault 2000 category will remain, and join it on the support package at every meeting. Formula Renault 2000 currently supports the Renault V6 series within the Super Racing Weekend concept. Today's announcement signals the end of the World Series Lights category that supports Dallara Nissan this year.